Does anyone honestly know anyone who makes their living completely by playing poker?

Question

Around six years ago, I found an immense love for the game of poker and came to understand that there were people in this world that have replaced their day to day careers by playing poker. Since then, I have invested hundreds of dollars in books and hundreds of hours studying them, hundreds of hours studying other people's play, and even more money/time trying to use/perfect my acquired skills. About half the time was spent studying and playing online poker while the other half was spent live in the casino. I have come to realize that I obviously CANNOT do it and that for me, it's become a complete business failure. As for me, I'm going to pursue real estate in the future as a way of leaving the rat race of the daily hustle and bustle of having a normal job. Does anyone know anybody that has actually been able to make poker work for them? How successful are they with it, and is it mostly online or live play? How long did it take them to get to consistently winning?

Answer 1

I've worked with table games in casinos for 22 years, I'm currently a casino manager in Moscow RF and I can honestly say that in all that time I've never met anyone who made a living playing poker. Ever single person that I know and believe me I know thousands of poker players, all have other business concerns that allow them to play.

Answer 2

I know a lot of out-of-work guys who are "rounders".  they play all over in casinos and home games.  if you live in a big city, you would know the home games and the "regular players".  

you can make a decent living playing poker if you know how to manage your cash well.  you have to find poor players with deep pockets also.  but if you don't know what you're doing, you can lose everything, be robbed, or be in a cop roundup in a home game.  its the management of money that is the hardest part.

Answer 3

A good friend of mine makes a living playing poker in Arizona.  To him it's just a job.  He plays at the Indian casinos, and usually shows up around 6:00 in the evening to catch people just getting off work.  He stays until 2:00 - 4:00 in the morning, and averages (long term) about $200/day.  It's roughly equivalent to a $50,000/year job.  Not bad money by any means, but not get rich money either.  He spent about two years moving up to where he's at, starting at 1/2 games and building his bankroll.  He only plays limit, and just grinds out pots.  In all honesty it looks mind numbingly boring to watch him play.  But he's not married, doesn't have kids, and was working as a bartender before he started playing professionally.  He's been doing it for several years, and seems happy enough.  40 hours a week, just like working a swing shift.

Answer 4

check "dariominieri" at www.sharkscope.com. dude plays mostly 5k heads up, some other games too. basically, he plays the ultra-aggressive style, then tightens up when he's the big stack.

but in the end, it's all about bankroll and cards.

Answer 5

I make my living playing poker in B and M casinos. It took me 3 years to get a bankroll big enough to consider it. I don't make millions, I make a living. Its not exciting and to be totally honest I had more fun at the table before I made my living at it. My best time to play is late at night chasing drunks and kids playing with student loan money. I lay down more winning hands than you would believe, the food is awful. The atmosphere (smoke and light) drives me crazy and time no longer has meaning to me. I play until 4 a.m. then I'm up again in the morning chasing tournament dollars.

If you want to keep your love for the game I encourage you to try a different career and supplement your income with poker earnings. I'm still looking for the big score and I have been chasing it for about 6 years now.

Answer 6

About 5% of the players win consistently, month after month. Not everybody is able to win and that's not about the skill or knowledge. The guys, who I know earn money at poker tables, play agressively and are risk-tolerant.

I know guys who win 3K-5K a month online on a regular basis. But that's not a big business or easy money. Most players learn the entire life but usually It takes 2-3 years to reach the level when you'll be able (if you do) to play poker for a living.